Pamphile, Pamphilia
Pamphylia refers to an ancient region located on the southern coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). It was situated between Lycia to the west and Cilicia to the east.
According to the Alliterative Morte Arthure, it was allied to Lucius the Roman, Arthur’s enemy.
Pamphylia | 0 to 800 AD
The name “Pamphylia” is derived from the Greek words pan, meaning “all,” and phylon, meaning “tribe” or “people,” suggesting a mix of different ethnic groups.
Ancient Periods
In the sixth century BC, Pamphylia, like much of the region, came under Persian rule as part of the Achaemenid Empire. With the conquests of Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC, Pamphylia fell under the influence of Hellenistic Greek culture. Greek cities, such as Perge and Side, flourished during this period.
Roman Period
Pamphylia became part of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. The Romans contributed to the development of infrastructure, including roads and aqueducts, to enhance trade and connectivity. Following the division of the Roman Empire, Pamphylia became part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire). It faces invasions by various groups, including the Sassanid Persians and Arab forces.
Medieval Period
In the seventh century, Pamphylia experienced Arab conquests, and like much of Anatolia, it became part of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates. This period saw the spread of Islam in the region. The Byzantine Empire, under Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas, recaptured Pamphylia in the late tenth century.
In the eleventh century, the Seljuk Turks began to exert their influence in the region. Pamphylia became part of the Sultanate of Rum. The Ottoman Turks later expanded their empire into Anatolia, and Pamphylia came under Ottoman rule in the late medieval period.
Sources
Alliterative Morte Arthure | c. 1400
Le Morte Darthur | Sir Thomas Malory, 1469-1470